The Blank Page – The Difference Between the Old and New Covenants
(Hebrews 9:15–17)

The Blank Page – The Difference Between the Old and New Covenants
(Hebrews 9:15–17)

Introduction
Between the Old and New Testaments lies what many overlook—the blank page. Though silent, it marks one of the most profound transitions in all of Scripture. The covenant of law gave way to the covenant of grace, and everything changed through the death of Christ, the mediator of a better testament.

The Meaning of a Testament
To understand the blank page, we must first understand the word testament. In Scripture, a testament is often used interchangeably with covenant, meaning an agreement or contract between two parties. It can also refer to a will—a legal document that takes effect only upon the death of the testator. Hebrews 9:15–17 explains that Christ became the mediator of the new covenant by His death. Just as a human will has no effect until one dies, so the new covenant began only after the death of Jesus on the cross.

The Nature of the Old Covenant
The Old Covenant, given by God exclusively to Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:3–6), was never meant to be permanent. It was temporary, pointing forward to something greater. Jeremiah 31:31–33 prophesied that God would one day establish a new covenant—one written not on stone tablets but on human hearts. The law of Moses was holy, but it could not remove sin. Its sacrifices reminded the people of their transgressions year after year, but they could never bring true forgiveness.

The Purpose of the Old Law
Paul clarifies in Galatians 3:19–24 that the law served as a tutor to bring us to Christ. It revealed sin, taught the cost of disobedience, and foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice that could atone for sin completely. The blood of bulls and goats could never take away sin (Hebrews 10:1–4). Therefore, God prepared something far greater—redemption through the blood of His Son.

The Establishment of the New Covenant
Hebrews 10:9–10 declares that Jesus “takes away the first that He may establish the second.” The new covenant began with His death on the cross, where He nailed the old law to the cross (Colossians 2:14). Ephesians 2:13–16 states that through His blood, Christ abolished the commandments contained in ordinances, reconciling both Jew and Gentile to God in one body. The cross was the dividing line—the blank page between the covenants.

A Better Covenant with Better Promises
The New Covenant is superior in every way. It offers complete forgiveness, not continual remembrance of sin. It provides access to God through Christ, not through animal sacrifices. It offers liberty, righteousness, and eternal life. Romans 8:1–2 calls it “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.” James 1:25 describes it as “the perfect law of liberty.” It is a covenant of grace, sealed by the blood of the Lamb.

Why the Distinction Matters
Many fail to understand the significance of that blank page and attempt to mix the two covenants. They borrow practices from the Old Law—animal sacrifices, instrumental music, Sabbath worship, and temple rituals—and try to blend them into Christianity. Yet the Bible teaches that nothing from the Law of Moses was carried into the New Covenant. Worship today must be according to Christ’s commands, not Israel’s ordinances. The New Covenant alone governs Christian faith, worship, and salvation.

Lessons from the Old Covenant
While we no longer live under the Old Law, it still teaches us valuable lessons (Romans 15:4). It shows God’s holiness, His expectation of obedience, and the seriousness of sin. The sacrificial system prepared us to understand the depth of Christ’s offering. Every act of worship under the old law points to spiritual truths fulfilled in Jesus—the true High Priest, Mediator, and Sacrifice.

The Blank Page in Your Bible
That blank page between Malachi and Matthew represents the cross. It marks the transition from shadow to substance, from law to grace, from the blood of animals to the blood of the Son of God. Understanding that difference determines how we worship, how we live, and how we are saved.

The Blank Page – The Difference Between the Old and New Covenants Sermon Outline:

• I. Introduction – The Significance of the Blank Page

  • The blank page separates two covenants (Hebrews 9:15–17).

  • Marks the transition from the Law of Moses to the Law of Christ.

   

• II. What Is a Testament?

  • Testament means covenant or will.

  • A will takes effect only after the death of the testator (Hebrews 9:16–17).

   

• III. The Old Covenant

  • Given to Israel at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:3–6).

  • Temporary by design (Jeremiah 31:31–33).

  • Served as a tutor to bring us to Christ (Galatians 3:19–24).

   

• IV. The Need for a New Covenant

  • The law could not remove sin (Hebrews 10:1–4).

  • Christ’s death brought true forgiveness (Hebrews 10:9–10).

  • He nailed the old law to the cross (Colossians 2:14).

   

• V. The Blessings of the New Covenant

  • Forgiveness through Christ’s blood (Ephesians 2:13–16).

  • Liberty and righteousness in the Spirit (Romans 8:1–2).

  • The perfect law of liberty (James 1:25).

   

• VI. The Danger of Mixing the Covenants

  • Practices from the Old Law no longer apply.

  • Worship, salvation, and doctrine are governed by the New Testament alone.

   

• VII. Lessons from the Old Law

  • Written for our learning (Romans 15:4).

  • Teaches holiness, obedience, and reverence.

   

• VIII. Conclusion – The Blank Page’s Message

  • The cross separates two covenants.

  • Salvation today comes only through the New Covenant in Christ’s blood.

   

Call to Action
The blank page in your Bible calls each of us to make a decision. Will we live under the covenant that has passed away, or will we embrace the one written in Christ’s blood? Today, salvation is found only in the New Covenant—through hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, being baptized, and living faithfully in Christ.

Key Takeaways

• The Old Covenant ended with Christ’s death (Hebrews 9:15–17; Colossians 2:14).

• The New Covenant began at the cross (Ephesians 2:13–16).

• True worship and salvation are governed by the New Testament (John 4:24).

• The New Covenant brings liberty, righteousness, and eternal life (Romans 8:1–2).

• The blank page reminds us of the change from law to grace through Christ.

Scripture Reference List

• Hebrews 9:15–17 – Christ’s death inaugurated the new covenant.

• Exodus 19:3–6 – The Old Covenant given to Israel only.

• Jeremiah 31:31–33 – Prophecy of the New Covenant.

• Galatians 3:19–24 – The law served as a tutor to bring us to Christ.

• Hebrews 10:1–10 – The old sacrifices could not remove sin.

• Ephesians 2:13–16 – Christ reconciled Jew and Gentile through His death.

• Colossians 2:14 – The old law nailed to the cross.

• Romans 8:1–2 – The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

• James 1:25 – The perfect law of liberty.

• 2 Corinthians 3:7–9 – The ministry of the Spirit exceeds the old in glory.

• Romans 15:4 – The Old Testament written for our learning.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

The church of Christ at Granby, MO

Additional Resources

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